The Cost of Racism – How ethnic health inequalities are standing in the way of growth

The Cost of Racism briefing considers the benefits of taking an economic approach to assess the costs of racial discrimination to the NHS, to individuals and the economy. The briefing explores a broad array of ethnic inequalities in healthcare which lead to excessive and avoidable costs and reduce efficiency in the economy.

The briefing proposes ‘Cost of Illness’ and ‘Burden of Disease’ studies to quantify monetary value and to explore a broad array of ethnic inequalities in healthcare which lead to excessive, avoidable costs and reduce efficiency. Drawing insights from a rapid review of existing UK and international research, the briefing highlights several key reports which have sought to quantify inequalities in healthcare. These snapshots illustrate significant economic losses, often amounting to billions of pounds. ​